In January the Newton and Whitley Chapel Group submitted a bid for funding to help with the development of the willow plot at Whitley Chapel.

We identified the aims the group has for the site and our need for financial support to •enable us to provide an accessible route to the classroom and compost toilet

•to create a parking area to enable vehicle access into the plot, a requirement of the management agreement between NBG and Hexhamshire Parish Council

I am delighted to report that our bid has been successful, and although we did not receive the full amount requested, we have been granted £750. A brief initial planning meeting followed a day of harvesting yesterday to decide on the best location for parking. It was proposed to use local service providers wherever possible and as necessary to demonstrate our support of the local community.

Thanks have to go to the group for demonstrating their commitment to the development and enhancement of the site through their generous donation of ideas, time and effort. As the development takes place we will capture it in photos and report on progress.